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2014 NFL Draft: Day Two's Best Available Prospects

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Who are the best players left on the board in the '14 NFL Draft?

2014 NFL Draft: Day Two's Best Available Prospects

The first round of the 2014 NFL Draft is in the books. The action was furious and unpredictable and extremely entertaining for fans. Johnny Manziel is now a Brown after Cleveland finally took the Texas A&M quarterback with their third trade of the first round. Jadeveon Clowney will be playing in Houston as many expected. And the Rams landed two elite line of scrimmage prospects in Greg Robinson and Aaron Donald.

But while fans fawn over their favorite new player, NFL front offices are working feverishly to find the middle-round gems. In fact, this is where most NFL teams are built — with quality second- and third-round selections. Pro Bowlers and Super Bowl signal-callers can be found on Day Two of the NFL Draft and 2014 won't be any different — just ask the Lions how good Larry Warford was as a rookie.

Here are Athlon Sports best available players left on the board after the first round was finished on Thursday evening.

Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt (6-3, 214)The most productive wideout in SEC history isn't the most explosive, but no other player at his position can match his intangibles. He has great size and every defense knew he was going to get the ball and still couldn't stop him. While he doesn't have burst and won't make people miss after the catch, he does have solid straight-line speed that builds as he goes. J-Matt is a great locker room guy who will help any team win games.

Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota (6-6, 310)There is some off-field focus issues to deal with but his blend of size and athleticism is extremely rare. He also helped the Gophers produce their best season in quite some time as he stuffed the middle against some of the best running games in the nation. There is no replacement for his size.

Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State (6-3, 220)When Penn State needed a big play down the field, it turned to Robinson and he never let them down. He has a huge frame, excellent ball skills and produced huge numbers that no other Nittany Lion has ever matched. He is a game-ready prospect who shouldn't need too much development to see snaps.

Marqise Lee, WR, USC (6-0, 192)Speed was a huge part of his game and it helped him set several school and Pac-12 records two seasons ago. He had to deal with some nagging injuries and a new quarterback — as well as three different head coaches — and that might have led to his numbers dropping in 2013. He has the talent to produce in a big way and should make a quick impact.

Gabe Jackson, G, Mississippi State (6-3, 336)Like Kentucky’s Larry Warford before him, Jackson has consistently been recognized as one of the SEC’s best blockers for years. He was a three-time All-SEC selection in some shape or form and played on the only Mississippi State team that went to four straight bowl games. He isn’t tall but is plenty wide and will be a regular in the NFL for the next decade.

Xavier Su'a-Filo, G, UCLA (6-4, 307)He took a two-year break for a Mormon mission but was an instant contributor for the Bruins both before and after his break. He isn't a massive prospect but he has great athletic ability and should be able to play multiple positions if needed.

Jeremy Hill, RB, LSU (6-0, 233)I’ve already written about Hill plenty here and he may move too quickly up draft boards by the time the second round rolls around. But there is a chance he’s the best back in the class. He has workhorse size, power and toughness and only carried 345 times in two college seasons so there is plenty of tread left on the tires. Hill has a chance to be an extremely good player over the next 4-5 years.

Ka’Deem Carey, RB, Arizona (5-9, 207)Carey touched the ball over 700 times in the last two seasons, racking up over 4,200 yards and scoring 44 times. That is production. He isn’t afraid of contact, will catch passes, picks up the blitz and is durable. Other than one small off-the-field distraction during his sophomore offseason, there is no downside to the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and consensus All-American.

Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State (6-1, 303)Sutton is the first player in the Pac-12 to win back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year honors since Steve Emtman in 1990-91. He has played multiple positions at multiple weights and is a leader in the huddle and on the practice field for a team that has won 18 games over the last two seasons and posted the best record in the conference. Sutton is a bit undersized but he is extremely disruptive behind the line of scrimmage — so say his 45.5 tackles for a loss and 20.5 sacks.

Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford (6-5, 250)Cut from the DeMarcus Ware cloth, Murphy is a perfect hybrid end/linebacker outside rusher. He posted 25.0 sacks and 41.5 tackles for a loss over the last two seasons for a defense that was among the best in the nation. He won two Pac-12 titles during those two years as well. He also showed his athletic ability by returning both career interceptions for touchdowns (40 and 30 yards).

Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech (6-3, 252)This doesn’t appear to be a very deep class of outside linebackers — hybrids or true 4-3 players. Attaochu is a true pass-rusher from the OLB position and would fit into a 3-4 very well as a third-down specialist to begin his career. The Yellow Jacket prospect is long and rangy and can get to the quarterback as his 31.5 career sacks (22.5 in the last two years) and 43.5 tackles for a loss indicate.

Lamarcus Joyner, CB, Florida State (5-8, 185)He is a veteran, a leader and a champion. Joyner is a bit undersized but he can play all over the defense and is a physical player despite his overall lack of bulk and power. He is quick, aggressive and simply makes plays — he posted 5.5 sacks as a senior from his defensive back position. Look for coordinators to use him all over the field on the next level.

Stanley Jean-Baptiste, DB, Nebraska (6-3, 218)Size is the first thing that comes to mind with the Nebraska defensive back. He has a massive frame and could easily slide into a role at safety at the back end of an NFL defense. He led his team in interceptions as a senior and should continue to flourish on the next level with his rare blend of size, speed and athleticism.

Kony Ealy, DL, Missouri (6-4, 273)The big defensive lineman has excellent up-the-field ability and can move around the line if needed. He took Mizzou to new levels as SEC East champs alongside Michael Sam and has the talent to produce on the next level. The only thing that kept him from a first-round grade is the tweener status that comes with a player who can play both end or tackle.

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